from the heartland of kansas to your glass

At Boot Hill Distillery, our philosophy is simple: honor the land, celebrate tradition, and craft exceptional spirits that tell the story of Western Kansas.

We believe that every great spirit starts with great grain, which is why we proudly embrace a true “soil to sip” approach—cultivating, harvesting, and distilling only the finest grains from our own Kelman Farms.

Our journey began in 2016, when fifth-generation farmer Hayes Kelman and his father, Roger Kelman, set out to create something extraordinary. With deep roots in Kansas soil and a shared Kansas State University legacy, Hayes envisioned a new path for the grains grown on the family farm. When they learned of the old City Hall in historic Dodge City—a building rich with history and on the verge of being condemned—they saw an opportunity.

Partnering with the City of Dodge City, the Kelmans transformed this storied landmark, which once housed the jail, judges’ chambers, firehouse, and city headquarters, into a vibrant distillery. Nearly a decade later, Boot Hill Distillery continues to thrive, sharing the spirit of Kansas across state lines into Missouri, Oklahoma, and beyond.

Our growth is fueled by our commitment to quality, our love for the land, and our passion for delivering the best of Kansas in every bottle. With no end in sight, we’re proud to keep pouring our heritage into every sip—and we can’t wait to share it with you.

A family of three standing outdoors on a farm. The man has a beard and is wearing a black shirt and a baseball cap. The woman has long hair, is wearing a black shirt and ripped jeans, and has a camera hanging from her waist. The young boy is wearing brown overalls and gray shoes. They are accompanied by a large, fluffy dog sitting on the ground. The background includes farm equipment and fields under a cloudy sky.
Black and white photograph of a man standing in a field with water, holding a cane, with clouds visible in the background.
A man with a red beard wearing a beige and black cap, tasting whiskey from a glass outdoors.
Learn About Kelman Farms